Dorothy Ida McMillan

ESCANABA – Dorothy Ida McMillan, 90, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 23, 2014, at her home with her family by her side.

On Nov. 26, 1923, in a farm house built by her grandfather, Jacob, Dorothy Ida Groos was born to Joseph and Ida (Bournonvile) Groos in the community of Groos, Mich. Her primary education was in a one room schoolhouse. Typical of many youth, she felt the need to “get out.” She worked for a short period to earn her college tuition before moving to Chicago to attend the nursing school affiliated with Loyola University. Following three years of education where she received her nursing diploma, Dorothy returned home and began working for OSF St. Francis Hospital as a registered nurse. Her primary RN positions were in the operating room and labor and delivery department. In 1946 she met her future husband at a dance. Dorothy and Don McMillan were married on Nov. 7, 1950, in the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Escanaba. Dorothy and Don were both lifelong members of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and raised six children. As family responsibilities grew she left her nursing career behind, but the nursing skills and lessons she learned served her and her growing family well. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Dorothy also loved flowers and gardening. She won many ribbons at the U.P. State Fair, eventually winning “Best of the Show.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Hugh McMillan, on May 11, 1985; her parents; her brother, Robert Groos; and her sister, Millie Davis.

The family wishes to give special recognition to Linda Hague, RN with Hospice, Kim Stepnowski, CNA and Michelle Fillman, LPN. Their compassionate care and gentle acts of kindness provided great support and comfort to Dorothy and her family.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Vigil Prayers will follow at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 28, at 11 a.m. at the St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Eric Olson officiating.

A luncheon will be served following services in the church fellowship hall. Dorothy will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial contributions in Dorothy’s name may be directed to the Marquette General Home Health and Hospice in Escanaba or the Hope Lodge, 611 W. Doege Street, Marshfield, WI 54449.